Assumption University

Chief Financial Officer

Deerfield Associates has been retained by Assumption University, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, to conduct a national search for a Chief Financial Officer.

Assumption University was founded in 1904 as a Catholic, nonprofit, coeducational liberal arts university located in Worcester, Massachusetts on a 185-acre campus. Assumption offers an average class size of eighteen, where students’ study under the close mentorship of faculty and staff who are experts in their fields, with over ninety academic programs offered across five colleges. Assumption’s twenty-six sports teams compete in the Northeast-10 Conference, with our academic and athletic success resulting in the NCAA Division II President’s Award for Academic Excellence. Marked by gritty determination, relentless curiosity, and a lack of entitlement, Assumption graduates are in demand exactly because our understanding of Catholic liberal education knits enduring ideas and professional preparation into a single fabric.
On June 10, 2022, Assumption College became Assumption University. Approximately 2,000 undergraduates and graduate students attend the University annually. The University offers bachelor’s degrees in the liberal arts core and pre-professional programs with a liberal arts core, and professional master’s degrees on a full-time and part-time basis. The University also operates an additional campus in Rome, Italy. The Rome campus is on land owned by the Augustinians of the Assumption, the University’s founding order.

In 2022, Greg Weiner, was elected the 17th President of the University, after serving as Interim President and prior to that Provost. Greg is the first Jewish President of Assumption University. There are approximately 400 full-time faculty and staff. The University’s financial profile includes an annual operating budget (2023) $75MM, $31MM of debt, an endowment of $108MM and $50MM in financial aid being awarded in 2023. The Advancement Office raises $2.1MM annually. The most recent Capital Campaign raised $53MM.

Assumption University strives to form graduates known for their critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service. Assumption University encourages a student’s sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Our curricular and co-curricular programs provide students with an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Assumption is a diverse community that welcomes different points of view and embraces all who share its mission. Enlivened by the Catholic affirmation of the harmony of faith and reason and by the pursuit of the truth in the company of friends, an Assumption education transforms the minds and hearts of students.

Assumption University leadership recently undertook a strategic plan for the next decade. This bold, ambitious, thoughtful, and strategic document, known as Thrive, is highlighted by the following. “In our next decade, Assumption University, will become a premier institution with national reach, not merely a Catholic university, but a particular type of Catholic university—one in diminishing supply but, because it speaks to enduring human needs, persistent demand. We will become known as a Catholic university that defines Catholic identity in terms of the education we offer—an education that welcomes and speaks to all who we seek to pursue truth in the company of friends. It is animated by a particular tradition of inquiry while speaking to people of all backgrounds and beliefs”.

As the first year Assumption University’s ten-year strategic plan, “Thrive”, commences, the institution seeks a dynamic and experienced financial and business leader with superb financial, strategic, and operational skills and abilities to fill the key position of Chief Financial Officer. The new hire reports directly to the President and is a member of the senior administrative team. President Weiner seeks a transformational CFO who can work collaboratively with the senior administrative team and bring creative and innovative approaches for ‘best practices” to Assumption University. The CFO works in close and regular collaboration with the President, Trustees and other members of the senior administrative team (Cabinet) to ensure adequate resources–human, financial, and operational–are available to support the excellence of the program and its people by providing strategic direction and overseeing matters related to finance, budget, facilities, and related policies and procedures. The CFO must possess a collaborative, student-centric mentality when approaching budgeting, debt capacity, and expenditures. The CFO serves in a cabinet level capacity and leads the Finance Division, which includes the departments of Finance, Human Resources, Business Services and Public Safety while collaborating with all other divisions of the University. Direct reports to the CFO include members of the Business Office (controller, accounts payable, accounts receivables, and payroll), the Director of Facilities, Director of Human Resources, Director of Technology, Director of Food Services, outside vendors (e.g., general contractors, security staff, etc.), and an administrative assistant.

Essential Duties:

Develops and maintains a highly collaborative working relationship with the President and the Cabinet to ensure cohesive messaging of the President’s institutional strategic goals and objectives, including alternatives and their financial implications, for consideration by board committees and other key constituencies.
Work closely with academic and student affairs leadership to understand their financial needs and priorities.
Serve as a strategic partner in developing and implementing initiatives that enhance student experience and academic excellence.
Ensures the safekeeping of university assets and the integrity of the accounting records; Provides accurate and timely financial information to the President, Cabinet, and Trustees on University operations.
Identify financial risks and opportunities; develop migration strategies to ensure financial sustainability.
Monitor key financial metrics and provide regular updates to the Trustees on financial performance and projections.
Drive innovative/strategic initiatives to optimize revenue streams and operational efficiency while maintaining fiscal responsibility, including managing debt strategy.
Oversees budget preparation, confers with administrators, faculty, and staff as necessary on all budget matters.
Supervises the development, coordination, and implementation of new building projects or renovations.
Assures compliance with all government regulations, tax codes, and industry standards in collaboration with the General Counsel.
Provides vision, leadership, quality management and professional development for all of the departments within the Finance Division.
Serves as a Campus Security Authority for Clery reporting purposes and a Responsible Employee for Title IX reporting purposes.
Partners with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement for proper recording of donor gifts and managing pledges receivable. Supports the advancement office in establishing financial case for significant gifts (including capital campaign initiatives).
Works with the Director of Human Resources on hiring, onboarding, off-boarding, strategizing and managing benefits, overseeing employee relations, and ensuring federal and state compliance.
Oversees the development, administration, and reporting on the Financial Statements to the University’s Board of Trustees; auditors; federal, state, and local authorities; rating and bond information agencies; donors, and University administrative offices.
Oversees the University’s endowment and investment policy; Monitors investment decisions with the Board Investment Committee; Coordinates with the endowment manager, and ensures effective endowment allocations, performance, and reporting.
Organizes agendas and meeting material for the Finance Committee, Investment Committee, and Audit Committee.
Presents at Board meetings for significant financial initiatives including tuition setting, preliminary and final budgets and audit results, and other matters as requested.
Collaborates with general counsel and insurance brokers regarding all Risk Management topics.
Responsible for year-end audit coordination, Prepares and reviews audit reports. Drafts financial statements.
Oversees the preparation and analysis for auditors and directs preparation of the University’s 990 form and required 5500 forms to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service.
Supervises the Director of Facilities and Safety; meets regularly to discuss and oversee relevant issues.
Oversees construction and renovation projects, including attendance at regular meetings with architects, contractors and the Building Committee.
Supervises the external Food Service provider.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, finance, accounting, or related field is required. Master’s degree in a related field, MBA and/or master’s degree in accounting or finance, is strongly preferred. Certified Public Accountant certification is a plus though not required.

Experience in a college or university is preferred though financial leadership professionals with demonstrated work experiences and a record of accomplishment of success from other sectors, e.g., sophisticated NFP organizations, independent schools, Catholic organizations, or financial services are encouraged to explore. 10+ years’ work experience in accounting and fiscal management experience is required.

Five years of senior management leadership experience is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must be willing to contribute actively to the mission of the University as well as show respect for the Catholic and Assumptionist identity of Assumption University.
Ten years’ experience in finance with broad range of responsibilities including supervision, project management, resource evaluation, short/long-term budget planning, and community relations in the not-for-profit environment.
Student-centric attitude with a commitment to supporting student success through effective financial stewardship.
Proactive and student-oriented approach, focusing on facilitating rather than obstructing the efficient use of university resources.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment, with a high degree of integrity and ethical conduct.
Effective communication skills, both orally and written.
Strong computer and analytical skills.
Ability to inspire and motivate others; Commitment to collaboration.
Ability to work evenings and weekends.
Holds high ethical standards, concern for confidentiality, knowledge of and experience with tax codes.
Excellent oral and written communications, and ability to address various-sized groups.
Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Ability to motivate and manage a high-quality staff and hire new talent.
Ability to interface with all constituencies of the university community– the President, the administration, staff, faculty and students, the Board of Trustees, alumni, parents, and friends of the University.
Capable of earning the respect and attention of the faculty, administration, staff, families, and the Board of Trustees.
Maintains close contact with the University community, University trustees, President, Cabinet, donors, alumni, government representatives, corporate and foundation trustees, and media.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with impeccable integrity and an extraordinary work ethic. This person must possess a commitment to a Catholic liberal arts education. Must have an open, optimistic, and collaborative management style coupled with the ability and willingness to act decisively. This person has an enthusiastic commitment to the importance of building and sustaining a diverse, just, inclusive, and equitable academic environment.

Greg Weiner is the 17^th president of Assumption University. Weiner joined the Assumption community in 2011 as an assistant professor of political science. Throughout his tenure in teaching, he was promoted to associate and full professorship. Additionally, in May of 2019, he was appointed provost and vice president for academic affairs. In October of 2022, Greg was named as President of Assumption University.

An expert in the political thought of the American Founding, Weiner holds a Ph.D. in government from Georgetown University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Brown University before coming to Assumption. George F. Will has written that he ranks “among the most prolific and profound contemporary writers on political philosophy.”

Weiner is the author of four books: Madison’s Metronome: The Constitution, Majority Rule and the Tempo of American Politics; American Burke: The Uncommon Liberalism of Daniel Patrick Moynihan; The Political Constitution: The Case Against Judicial Supremacy; and Old Whigs: Burke, Lincoln and the Politics of Prudence. His fifth book, Politics and Limits, is under contract to Yale University Press.

Weiner has published and lectured around the country on topics such as the political thought of James Madison, the separation of powers, the presidency, constitutional interpretation, and other issues. He has published over two dozen essays in The New York Times and op-eds in The Washington Post and Wall Street Journal.

Before his academic career, Weiner was a political aide, consultant, and writer in Washington, D.C. for two decades. He served as the president and founder of Content Communications, LLC, advising members of the President’s Cabinet, members of Congress, and other political leaders. Also, he served as communications director for Senator J. Robert Kerrey of Nebraska; as campaign manager for a U.S. Senate candidate from Texas; and as deputy press secretary and staff assistant to U.S. Senators Lloyd Bentsen and Bob Kreuger. He also served as a reporter for the Williamson County Sun newspaper in Georgetown, Texas.

In addition to his doctoral degree, Weiner holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Texas, Austin, and a master’s degree in liberal studies from Georgetown University. Weiner and his wife, Rebecca, have three children and two greyhounds.

A Catholic Liberal Arts Institution

Assumption University (AU) is a comprehensive, private Catholic liberal arts institution, sponsored by the Augustinians of the Assumption. We awaken in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Our curricular and co-curricular programs provide students with an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. We are a diverse community that welcomes different points of view and embraces all who share our mission. Enlivened by the Catholic affirmation of the harmony of faith and reason and by the pursuit of the truth in the company of friends, an Assumption education transforms the minds and hearts of students.

Inspired by the Catholic Tradition

As a Catholic institution, Assumption encourages the study of works written by those inspired by Catholic tradition. This study promotes the search for truth about nature, the human being, and God by calling us to reflect upon and understand important questions posed to us by these thinkers in an intellectual setting.

In the search for truth, we, as a university community, are dedicated to promoting serious dialogue and debate. We want to foster a way of living, working, and studying on campus that is inspired by the Gospel and is faithful to the Christian message as presented by the Church. We work to support the faith development of students through our campus ministry program, assistance to students in their own personal and spiritual growth, and a worship program able to address the needs and culture of the campus.

Diversity Statement from President Greg Weiner

Precisely because we are a Catholic institution whose mission calls us to pursue the truth in the company of friends, Assumption University is committed to active and deliberate inclusion of diverse people and points of view. That commitment is rooted in the very premise of our mission: that we are all made in the image of God, that we are all oriented to using speech and reason to pursue truth together, and that—because none of us possesses the whole truth—we can all learn from each other. Anyone who seeks to join that pursuit will find an embracing and welcoming home in the Assumption community—regardless of faith, race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, or beliefs. For the same reason, every member of our community is both welcome and encouraged to push us to keep doing better. As a community of learners, we are all called to learn from each other. We are committed to diversity as a moral imperative, but also an educational one.

Employee Benefits, DEI and Employment Background Checks Required

Assumption University offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, competitive salaries and a generous benefits package including a retirement plan, paid vacations, and a full complement of health benefits.

Assumption University is an equal opportunity employer. Assumption University does not discriminate in matters of hiring, training, promotion, transfer, wages, discharge, school benefits, or working conditions because of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, transgender status, military status, veteran status, marital status, familial status, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

A thorough background check including a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment.

This opportunity is available immediately, and will be filled following a comprehensive national search, and when the candidate of choice is identified and selected. The start date will be Fall 2024, though interested individuals who are not able to start until a later timeline are still encouraged to explore. For more background on Assumption University, please visit www.assumption.edu

Contact Information

To explore this career opportunity on a confidential basis, please send your resume, a letter of interest and a list of 5 references (which will only be contacted if mutual interest is determined) to:

Doug Cooney, Executive Search Consultant, DEERFIELD ASSOCIATES Executive Search, Inc.
572 Washington Street, Suite 15, Wellesley, MA 02482 Telephone: 781-237-2800.
Email: jobs@deerfieldassociates.com